A prospective study on the course of anxiety after vestibular neuronitis.

OBJECTIVE

Critical life events trigger intense emotions. Anxiety is one of the most frequent of these emotions. It is unclear which factors determine the intensity and course of anxiety after a critical life event.

METHOD

Anxiety levels of 92 patients in the 6 weeks after experiencing an acute vestibular disorder were examined. The influence of cognitive, personality and illness variables on the course of their anxiety was analyzed.

RESULTS

Acute vestibular disorder is accompanied by intensive anxiety. In most patients, anxiety decreased as vertigo regressed. Catastrophizing and dysfunctional cognitions and different personality styles predicted 17.6% of the anxiety 6 weeks after the functional loss of vestibular equilibrium.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute vestibular disorder is a critical life event. Most individuals cope successfully with acute vestibular disorder. However, dysfunctional cognitions are risk factors for the persistence of anxiety.